Do the rubber bands for braces actually work?

YES!: Orthodontic elastics work incredibly well if worn as directed. Many adolescent patients are on again/off again wearers, and this really fouls up the quality of bite correction and greatly impacts the amount of time in treatment. Be sure to wear them exactly as specified and you shall be rewarded in time and quality of work. Best of luck!

If worn properly: Orthodontists have used rubber bands (elastics) for many years to correct bites and align the upper and lower teeth to each other. You must wear them as directed, or your treatment will take longer or you will come up short with your result. Most of the time elastics are worn 24/7 to gain the desired result...This includes eating and sleeping, taking them off only for proper brushing and flossin.

Stunningly: Orthodontic elastics (originally termed "baker anchorage, " although probably first used by calvin case over 100 years ago) have been one of the most effective adjuncts to braces and clear aligners. They are easy, inexpensive, relatively esthetic, and allow orthodontists to apply forces where they are needed for a variety of situations.

Absolutely: Elastics provide reciprocal force, pulling at both ends. Talk to your Orthodontic Specialist about what movement is being influenced by the elastics. Sometimes they are used to move teeth, sometimes influence growth, sometimes to stabilize segments.